STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE Soundtrack Collection Out Now

TrekCore Staff

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December 2, 2014

STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE Soundtrack Collection Out Now

As we reported last week, La-La Land Records’ new Star Trek: Enterprise soundtrack collection has now become available for purchase for a price of $59.99 — this four-disc set contains hours of content, early buyers will receive their collections autographed by composers Dennis McCarthy, John Frizzell, Brian Tyler, and David Bell at no extra cost.

Buy the Enterprise collection directly from La-La Land Records’ website here.

In addition, it seems that 2015 will be a big year for Trek soundtracks, as we’ve learned from multiple sources that La-La Land has three more major releases in the pipeline.

Star Trek: The Next Generation Collection – Volume 2 is due for next year, a long-awaited follow-up to their 2011 TNG release.

Star Trek: Voyager Collection is also in the works for 2015, expanding La-La Land’s Trek offerings into the Delta Quadrant.

Star Trek: Enterprise Collection – Volume 2 is expected around this time next winter and offer more music from the 22nd Century.

We have no confirmed dates or release schedules for these next soundtrack collections, but we’ll surely bring you the most up-to-date information available as soon as we have it.

In the meantime, head over to La-La Land’s Enterprise page and listen to some of their track samples — and place your order today!

We Could Have Been Great Together: Kate Pulaski

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Rob Heyman

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December 1, 2014

38

We Could Have Been Great Together: Kate Pulaski

by Rob Heyman for TrekCore.com

Star Trek: The Next Generation saw a number of significant changes between its first and second seasons, none more glaring than the replacement of Beverly Crusher with Kate Pulaski as chief medical officer aboard the Enterprise.

At Diana Muldaur’s request, the actress was never elevated above a ‘special guest appearance’ title for the second season opening credits, implying a kind of temporary or experimental status as a cast member. When the third season debuted, the medical reigns had been handed back to Gates McFadden, who was asked to return to the series, and Pulaski was never heard from again (outside of a few brief references in “Who Watches the Watchers,” “Ship in a Bottle,” and “Endgame,” the Voyager series finale).

While it’s hard to imagine The Next Generation without Doctor Crusher, looking back at the second season, it’s just as hard not to entertain the possibility that Pulaski’s character could have really succeeded for the series.

Despite some obvious and none-too-subtle character nods to Doctor McCoy, Pulaski displayed a certain resolve and wisdom that could have opened the door for some interesting relationships with the other crew members. Whatever the definitive reason for Pulaski’s replacement – be it lack of chemistry, creative differences, or Muldaur’s dissatisfaction with the show — there’s enough in the second season to point to a character with tremendous development potential.

Pulaski biggest opportunity for growth, had she stayed with the series for the third season and beyond, likely would have come with Troi, and maybe even Riker. Troi was set up from the start as someone who would be her closest friend, but that bond was never fully realized despite some promising starts in “The Child” and “The Icarus Factor,” in particular.

As reviled as it is as an episode, owing largely to its soap opera melodrama, “The Icarus Factor” is one of the few episodes that truly tries to weave her character into the tapestry of the other crewmembers’ lives – and it works. It may seem a bit corny that Pulaski was once romantically involved with Riker’s father, but Muldaur sells it, and the scene where she tells Riker to get over his anger for his father is a wonderfully layered moment setting the stage for an interesting parent-child dynamic with Riker.

You saw some of that when she confronts Wesley on learning to take charge in “Pen Pals.” I can only imagine the ball-busting she would have given Riker over his fears in assuming command in “The Best of Both Worlds.” Instead, that ball-busting was left, somewhat jarringly, to Guinan.

Both Troi and Riker have complicated relationships with their parents. It would have been interesting to see how Pulaski and Lwaxana Troi would have played off each, especially once Troi and Pulaski became a lot closer and Troi embraced her as a surrogate mother. When you consider this, it almost makes sense now that “The Child” was made the debut episode for Season Two – it gives us a necessary medical story to introduce Pulaski and to sow the seeds of her connection with Troi.

The biggest problem with Pulaski was the decision to pit her against Picard, and to a lesser extent Data. Had Data been portrayed as colder and more Spock-like, I could buy her ongoing distrust of him as a lifeless machine (and fulfilling yet another intended McCoy trait). Fortunately, Pulaski did warm to Data over the course of the season, but had she not, fans would have completely turned on her because… well… we liked Data, and so did the rest of the crew.

The conflict between Crusher and Picard worked better because there was romantic subtext to it. There was a glaring lack of chemistry between Pulaski and Picard (and it would seem, Stewart and Muldaur) that made the conflict feel forced. I always had a soft spot for “Time Squared.” It is a weird and creepy episode. It works almost in spite of itself. However, the conflict between Pulaski and Picard is so cringe-inducing it even alienates Troi at one point. It is at this point that you know Pulaski’s days are indeed numbered as a regular character.

Two of Pulaski’s best episodes are “Elementary Dear Data” and “Up the Long Ladder.” “Elementary” is a stand-out in its own right, and a lot of the credit for its success goes to director Rob Bowman. I love how he introduces Pulaski in this episode as an eavesdropper in Ten Forward. We don’t really know Pulaski up to this point, but in this one scene he tells us she’s smart, fun, and even a little sneaky.

“Up the Long Ladder” shows us she’s also a bit of risk-taker when she decides to partake in a dangerous Klingon tea ceremony with Worf. This sets up a rather unlikely camaraderie with Worf, which could have been one of The Next Generation’s more interesting dynamics as the series progressed.

So what would have The Next Generation been like had Pulaski stayed aboard third season and beyond? As a serious character well-tenured into her responsibilities, it’s likely we would have gotten some truly compelling medical episodes. I never felt Crusher was given enough to do. She’s clearly a smart woman and has saved the ship from several crises. But she was never given a really meaty medical story to sink her teeth into.

What’s more, Wil Wheaton’s decision to leave the series fourth season sidelined a big opportunity to broaden Crusher role as a single parent. This, along with the producers’ decision to minimize family drama post-fourth season in favor of more sci-fi fare, found Crusher with less to do save the ongoing and tiresome will-they-or-won’t-they unresolved romantic teasing with Picard.

Fans seem to be pretty divided on Pulaski as a character. It was easy to hate her because she came across too stuffy and parental, and her initial distrust of Data was something many of us just couldn’t swallow.

That said, she also has her share of fans, many of whom probably see, as I do, a character who had growth potential and whose service aboard the Enterprise came to an end far too soon.

TNG Season 7 and ALL GOOD THINGS Blu-ray Trailers

TrekCore Staff

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November 29, 2014

22

TNG Season 7 and ALL GOOD THINGS Blu-ray Trailers

After nearly three years, we’re just a few days away from the release of the final season of Star Trek: The Next Generation on Blu-ray, along with “All Good Things,” the timeless series finale!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp6L-1TrQUg

Download: 480p (36 MB) • 720p (92 MB) • 1080p (226 MB)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRbXqqyRmGY

Download: 480p (32 MB) • 720p (85 MB) • 1080p (212 MB)

We hope to have our full reviews available in the next week or so — we are still waiting for our review copies of the Blu-ray sets to arrive — but in the meantime, we wanted to satisfy some of your TNG cravings in the meantime with the much-demanded downloads of the season trailers, and some of the best featured upgrades from the old standard definition masters!

“Descent, Part I”

Beverly Crusher leads the Enterprise into the corona of a distant star in “Descent, Part II,” and the murky view the starship is cleared up by a massive degree in the revitalized Blu-ray edition. The warp nacelles, deflector dish, and other shipboard lighting effects shine much more brightly in high definition!

“Attached”

Picard and Crusher’s escape from a deadly fireball in “Attached” sees some notable changes from the DVD release. While the fiery element has been recreated from scratch using new digital elements, the live-action footage of Patrick Stewart and Gates McFadden seems to be a completely different take from the original version used in the broadcast master!

There could be a number of reasons for why this shot has been changed — the original film stock may have been damaged or lost sometime in the last two decades, or it may have been deemed unusable for some other technical reason. As there is no dialogue in this brief footage, it’s a fairly unnoticeable change.

This isn’t the first time a minor substitution has been made in non-speaking footage; another example can be seen in the first Borg visit to Engineering back in Season Two’s “Q Who.”

“Sub Rosa”

The massive storm in Caldos II’s upper atmosphere has been wonderfully rebuilt by Max Gabl and the rest of the CBS Digital team for “Sub Rosa.” One thing of note is that the storm is now spinning clockwise, the opposite of the original version which spun slowly counter-clockwise on DVD.

“Masks”

The ancient D’Arsay archive and surrounding icy comment was one of the earliest all-CGI effects used in Star Trek‘s television production, and the original elements created by Santa Barbara Studios has been faithfully duplicated by CBS Digital for “Masks.” The icy surface melts away with ease on Blu-ray!

“Eye of the Beholder”

Not only has the violent energy of the warp plasma stream been recreated for “Eye of the Beholder,” but CBS Digital has also rebuilt the original digital ceiling of the nacelle control room as well!

This subtle piece of computer-generated set extension is nearly invisible, even in the DVD release, but if you count the number of support struts in the upper section of the room in the above screenshots, the difference becomes clear.

“Emergence”

In an effort to save the ship from a newly-created life form in “Emergence,” the Enterprise fires an energy beam into the MacPherson Nebula — but it appears that the Enterprise itself is now a digital element!

The recreated starship has been showcased in a number of episodes since CBS Digital perfected the model for Season Five, and it seems that it’s been needed once again for this shot.

“All Good Things…”

The surface of primordial Earth has been restored to glory in the newly-composited “All Good Things,” showcasing the fiery lava against the now-visible ocean waves in the distant background.

Of course, the massive anti-time anomaly is the star of this shot, a wonderful combination of practical elements and digital wizardry which gives the object an added aura of wonder.

“All Good Things…”

The ancient volcano eruption has also been given a digital boost for Blu-ray, with a completely recreated eruption that takes the whole shot to the next level. This now feels like a truly dangerous event, rather than a tepid rupture in the distance.

“All Good Things…”

Beverly Picard’s Olympic-class USS Pasteur makes the leap to high definition, bringing out details in the much-loved medial ship that were never visible on DVD, like the tiny medical caduceus symbol on the aft hull hidden in standard-definition fuzz. The small starship’s final battle with the Klingons is a definite improvement in the rejuvenated footage!

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In case you missed it, be sure to check out our video comparison of the TNG S7 trailer, showcasing these upgrades in action!

With prices as low as we expect them to get before the holiday season, now is the time to lock in your orders for Star Trek: The Next Generation Season Seven and “All Good Things” on Blu-ray — or if you have been waiting to pick up all seven seasons at once, preorder the region-free Blu-ray box set from the UK using our links below!

	Order Star Trek: TNG Season 7 on Blu-ray!		Order TNG's "All Good Things..." on Blu-ray!

Order Star Trek: The Next Generation
“Full Journey” Complete Series
Region-Free Blu-ray Box Set!

ENTERPRISE Soundtrack Collection Coming Next Week

TrekCore Staff

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November 28, 2014

23

ENTERPRISE Soundtrack Collection Coming Next Week

Following last year’s fantastic Star Trek: Deep Space Nine collection, La-La Land has announced a new Star Trek: Enterprise soundtrack collection going on sale December 2!

La-La Land’s release, announced on their Facebook page reads as follows:

La-La Land Records and CBS proudly present the original television soundtrack to STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE, starring Scott Bakula, John Billingsley and Jolene Blalock. This stunning 4-CD collection showcases the powerful work of the notably talented composers who kept this prequel STAR TREK series at warp speed for four exciting seasons.

The music expertly runs the gambit from the bold and thrilling to the thoughtful and emotional – it’s essential science fiction music that touches the heart while it opens the mind. Disc One features the music of Dennis McCarthy, Disc Two showcases Jay Chattaway’s work, while Disc Three’s “Veterans and New Recruits” highlights a variety of composers as does Disc Four’s “Fan Favorites,” which includes music from such episodes as In A Mirror, Darkly, Parts I and II and “Regeneration” among others.

Produced by Ford A. Thaxton, James Nelson, Mark Banning and Lukas Kendall and mastered by James Nelson, this special release of 3000 Units includes a 36-Page Booklet featuring in-depth notes by writer Jeff Bond, with new comments from McCarthy, Chattaway and others.

The first 200 customers who purchase the cd directly through the La-La Land Records website will receive an autographed tray card signed by composers Dennis McCarthy, David Bell and John Frizzell at no extra charge. Quantities are limited and you are NOT guaranteed a signed copy.

Check out the track listing La-La Land has provided and see if your favorite episodes are represented!

DISC ONE: Music by Dennis McCarthy
* Music by Dennis McCarthy & Kevin Kiner

1. Where My Heart Will Take Me (Main Title, Season One) (1:25)
Written by Diane Warren, performed by Russell Watson

Shockwave, Part I #026
2. Disaster (0:56)
3. Eulogy (1:43)
4. Daniels Arrives (3:02)
5. Hide and Seek (3:34)
6. No Return (3:41)
Recorded May 15, 2002 / Original Airdate: May 22, 2002

Shockwave, Part II #028
7. A Refresher (1:43)
8. Playing Possum (2:16)
9. The Captain (2:25)
10. Onward (0:23)
Recorded September 10, 2002 / Original Airdate: September 18, 2002

The Expanse #052
11. Florida Attack (0:47)
12. On the Team (2:12)
13. Now There Is One / Loop-de-Loop (5:02)
Recorded May 14, 2003 / Original Airdate: May 21, 2003

Impulse #057
14. Blocked Exit (2:57)
15. Paranoia (2:02)
Recorded October 1, 2003 / Original Airdate: October 8, 2003

Twilight #060
16. Armageddon (1:40)
17. Rip Van Winkle / Angst (2:05)
18. Showdown / Back to the Past (6:59)
Recorded October 1, 2003 / Original Airdate: October 8, 2003

Carpenter Street #063
19. Street Walkin’ (3:05)
Recorded November 19, 2003 / Original Airdate: November 26, 2003

Kir’Shara* #085
20. Kir’Shara Activated (3:29)
Recorded November 23, 2004 / Original Airdate: December 3, 2004

Countdown* #075
21. Re–Cap Enterprise 075 (1:32)
22. Ready to Fire (3:27)
23. Countdown Begins (1:10)
24. Hays Departs (1:34)
Recorded May 3, 2004 / Original Airdate: May 19, 2004

Storm Front, Part II* #078
25. Recap–Enterprise 078 (1:10)
26. Fight to the Death (3:06)
27. Stukas Coming / The Vortex (3:11)
28. Timeline Restored (1:19)
29. Home at Last (1:39)
Recorded September 23, 2004 / Original Airdate: October 15, 2004

30. Where My Heart Will Take Me (End Credits Instrumental) (1:03)

Total Time – Disc One: 70:52

DISC TWO: Music by Jay Chattaway

1. Where My Heart Will Take Me (Main Title, Season Three) (1:22)
Written by Diane Warren, performed by Russell Watson

Civilization #009
2. Old City (2:34)
3. Entering the Reactor / Reactor Surprise (3:13)
4. Memorable (0:29)
Recorded November 6, 2001 / Original Airdate: November 14, 2001

The Catwalk #038
5. Taking Back Enterprise / Capitan a Capitan / Core Is Down (7:43)
Recorded December 11, 2002 / Original Airdate: December 18, 2002

North Star #061
6. Hangin’ Offense (1:01)
7. Gunfight / Final Fight (4:17)
8. New School (0:59)
Recorded November 5, 2003 / Original Airdate: November 11, 2003

Zero Hour #076
9. Sphere Builder On Board / Andorian Offensive / Sphere / Final Showdown (12:03)
10. My Captain (2:29)
Recorded May 13, 2004 / Original Airdate: May 26, 2004

Storm Front, Part I #077
11. Daniels’ Goodbye (2:50)
Recorded September 16, 2004 / Original Airdate: October 8, 2004

Awakening #084
12. Meet Surak (1:37)
13. Archer Remembers Cave / Vulcans On the Attack / Kir’shara (7:03)
Recorded November 17–18, 2004 / Original Airdate: November 26, 2004

Bound #093
14. Slave Girl Dance (2:07)
15. Kelby Under the Spell (1:20)
16. Captain Romantic / Disoriented Captain (4:00)
17. Harrad-Sar Attacks / Trip Foils Slave Girls (5:27)
Recorded March 15–16, 2005 / Original Airdate: April 15, 2005

Terra Prime #097
18. Five Seconds to Impact (2:02)
19. Her Name Is Elizabeth (1:19)
20. Archer’s Speech (1:49)
21. Grieving (2:22)
Recorded April 22, 2005 / Original Airdate: May 13, 2005

BONUS TRACK
The Catwalk #038
22. Into the Sunset (0:32)
Recorded December 11, 2002 / Original Airdate: December 18, 2002

23. Where My Heart Will Take Me (End Credits Instrumental) (0:49)

Total Time – Disc Two: 70:59

DISC THREE: Veterans and New Recruits

1. Archer’s Theme (Unused Main Title) (1:24) (Dennis McCarthy)

Horizon #046 (Mark McKenzie)
2. Travis in Sweet Spot / Change of Course (1:37)
3. Up Your Alley (4:18)
4. Star Map (1:16)
5. We’re Under Attack (1:50)
6. Band of Brothers (3:33)
7. Never Better Sir (1:23)
Recorded April 2, 2003 / Original Airdate: April 16, 2003

Terra Nova #006 (David Bell)
8. Phaser Cuts Log (1:48)
Recorded October 16, 2001 / Original Airdate: October 24, 2001

Dear Doctor #013 (David Bell)
9. Doc’s First Installment / Phlox Needs a Friend (3:46)
Recorded October 16, 2001 / Original Airdate: October 24, 2001

The Andorian Incident #007 (Paul Baillargeon)
10. Sanctuary Interrupted (0:47)
11. Sensor Array (2:32)
Recorded October 23, 2001 / Original Airdate: October 31, 2001

Vox Sola #022 (Paul Baillargeon)
12. Force Field Ready / Take Me Home / Crew Released / Home of the Tendril (3:28)
Recorded April 17, 2002 / Original Airdate: May 1, 2002

First Flight #050 (Paul Baillargeon)
13. Prototype Crash (3:34)
14. See You Out There (1:41)
Recorded May 1, 2003 / Original Airdate: May 14, 2003

Proving Ground #065 (John Frizzell)
15. Recap (1:32)
16. Turning the Tables (4:12)
Recorded January 13, 2004 / Original Airdate: January 21, 2004

Silent Enemy #012 (Velton Ray Bunch)
17. First Encounter (2:03)
18. Taking Risks / Showdown (4:44)
19. Pineapple Cake (0:59)
Recorded December 11, 2001 / Original Airdate: January 16, 2002

Desert Crossing #024 (Velton Ray Bunch)
20. Warm Welcome (1:14)
21. Geskana Match / Archer Goes for Goal (2:52)
22. Trip’s Menu (1:23)
23. The Rescue (3:00)
24. Not Why We’re Here (0:59)
Recorded April 30, 2002 / Original Airdate: May 8, 2002

Similitude #062 (Velton Ray Bunch)
25. In Memoriam (0:43)
26. Warp Drive Test (3:08)
27. You Owe Me One (3:51)
Recorded November 12, 2003 / Original Airdate: November 19, 2003

The Augments #082 (Velton Ray Bunch)
28. Recap / Teaser–Enterprise 082 (1:51)
29. Pathogen Bomb (3:27)
30. Goodbye Doc (0:39)
Recorded November 4, 2004 / Original Airdate: November 12, 2004

31. Archer’s Theme (End Credits) (0:39) (Dennis McCarthy)

Total Time – Disc Three: 79:09

DISC FOUR: Fan Favorites

In a Mirror, Darkly, Parts I and II #094 (Dennis McCarthy & Kevin Kiner)
1. First Contact Revisited (1:49) (Jerry Goldsmith, Dennis McCarthy & Kevin Kiner)
2. Mirror Main Title From Enterprise (1:21)
3. Mutiny (3:53)
4. Dangerous Seduction (2:43)
5. Counter Attack (2:31)
6. Boarding the Defiant (2:23)
7. Tholian Web (2:08)
8. Abandon Enterprise (1:59)
9. Recap–Enterprise 095 (1:00)
10. Defiant Trapped / Defiant Fights Back (2:49)
11. T’Pol Interrogation (1:31)
12. Booby Trap (2:26)
13. Gorn to Die (2:53)
14. Defiant to the Rescue (2:14)
15. T’Pol Busted (2:05)
16. Phlox Sabotage (1:55)
17. Avenger Attacks (2:02)
18. Empress Hoshi (1:16)
Recorded March 30, 2005 / Original Airdates: April 22 and 29, 2005

Regeneration #049 (Brian Tyler)
19. Borg Crash Site / Borg Awakening (3:13)
20. Archer Tells Plan / Distress Call / Phlox Attacked (3:10)
21. Hive Mind / Borg Hunt / Dead in the Water (6:43)
22. Borg Attack / Borg Attack 2 (7:23)
23. Message in a Bottle / Postponed (0:58)
Recorded April 22, 2003 / Original Airdate: May 7, 2003

These Are The Voyages #098 (Dennis McCarthy & Kevin Kiner)
24. Freeze Program / Enterprise D (0:59)
25. Narrow Escape (1:24)
26. Under Attack / Trip Hurt (4:28)
27. Trip’s Possessions / It Was Worthwhile (1:46)
28. Heroic / Trek Theme Montage (2:11) (Jerry Goldsmith, Alexander Courage & Gene Roddenberry, Dennis McCarthy & Kevin Kiner)
Recorded April 29, 2005 / Original Airdate: May 13, 2005

29. Archer’s Theme (End Credits) (Dennis McCarthy) / Paramount Studios Logo (0:51) (Lalo Schifrin)

Total Time – Disc Four: 76:51

There is no official page for this release at La-La Land’s main website at this time, but we’ll be sure to share a link for direct purchases as soon as it’s available next Tuesday.

Deep Blu-ray Discounts on TNG and ENT Blu-rays

TrekCore Staff

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November 23, 2014

5

Deep Blu-ray Discounts on TNG and ENT Blu-rays

THESE SALES ARE NOW OVER.

Amazon US and Amazon UK have deep discounts on Trek Blu-ray sets, with ridiculously low prices! We don’t know how long these deals will last, so order now and keep TrekCore ad-free!

These sets are all region-free and can be imported to the US or other regions with no issues.

TNG S1: http://amzn.to/1HCnocO
TNG S2: http://amzn.to/1uVxvCR
TNG S3: http://amzn.to/1xlL78T
TNG S4: http://amzn.to/1yGPm0J
TNG S5: http://amzn.to/1xlLfoG
TNG S6: http://amzn.to/1FfIUBL

ENT S1 (UK): http://amzn.to/10HnG9T
ENT S3 (UK): http://amzn.to/1aGRy0c

Trek Comics Review #38: ‘The Q Gambit’ (Part 4)

TrekCore Staff

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November 20, 2014

2

Trek Comics Review #38: ‘The Q Gambit’ (Part 4)

Our Trek Comics editor Patrick Hayes is back with a review of this month’s issue of IDW Publishing’s Star Trek comic series: the fourth chapter of “The Q Gambit,” an ongoing six-part saga.

A solid pair of covers is introduced by Tony Shasteen on the regular version, featuring Odo in the foreground wearing a blue jacket. Behind him is the Zoe Saldana version of Lt. Uhura, and to her left, wearing command gold, is Q, looking as if he’s about to start laughing.

The background of clouds reveals an immense Gul Dukat, holding something Bajoran that doesn’t look like an orb. Tearing across the sky is a Klingon Bird of Prey flanked by two Jem’Hadar fighters. This is a good mash-up of images that will have the most casual viewer stop in their tracks, realizing something is not quite right. Grade: A.

The photo cover features a Season One photo of Rene Auberjonois as Odo. It’s a great picture and illustrates how important he is to this installment of “The Q Gambit.” Grade: A+.

This was an outstanding chapter from writer Mike Johnson. On Bajor, 100 years in the recent films’ future, Kira Nerys reveals a Bajoran tablet to Quark, McCoy, and Spock. It contains the spirits of a Pah-Wraith and a Prophet, which is the last of its kind. By freeing the Prophet, the Free Federation believes it can use it to turn the tide against the Dominion forces trying to take over the galaxy.

Ben Sisko was supposed to help deliver it to a hidden planet to safely open it, but he’s in San Francisco with Odo, Kirk, Uhura, and Scotty, looking down the barrels of several changelings’ guns after witnessing the death of Worf. The Dominion forces want to kill Odo first for betraying his own species when a sudden hum begins to sound.

This was a lot of fun. The pacing is extremely quick, going back and forth between both groups, including a great intrusion by Q into the story to remind Kirk that his choices will have massive repercussions. In addition to seeing all the classic Trek characters intermingle is Johnson’s ability to have every page end on a little cliffhanger to compel the reader to quickly get to the next page to see how the problem is addressed.

For example, Page 1 ends with Kira revealing the end game in getting the tablet, Page 2 has her inviting McCoy and Spock to join the rebellion, Page 3 has the San Francisco setting introduced with our heroes under the gun, and 4 has a changeling about to shoot Odo. This is the mark of a good comic book writer that can weave his story in this fashion, and it’s consistent on every page.

Dialogue also comes so smoothly out of each character; it’s impossible not to read this book without hearing it spoken by the actors who portrayed the characters. The most impressive was Gul Dukat. I am a fan of the relish with which Marc Alaimo has his character speak on Deep Space 9. Pages 19 – 22 were my favorites because I could hear his feigned sincerity dripping off every panel. Also a highlight was Quark’s dialogue, ’cause a Ferengi’s got to do what a Ferengi’s got to do.

There are also some outstanding lines in this book. They included Page 7, panels three and four; the top of 12, the bottom of 17; and Page 22. I was also very pleased to see that there are some humorous lines in this book without coming off as forced: Page 2, panel three; Page 9, panel four; and Page 16, panel three. Grade: A+.

Illustrations and colors are gorgeously created by Tony Shasteen. Some are photo references and other are new.

For the later, take a gander at that beautiful Bajoran tablet on Page 1. It looks photorealistic, but I don’t recall seeing one like this before. Another nice original is the setting of San Francisco, where the action takes place within a Klingon temple. This setting owes a lot to Mayan design, but looks great. I loved seeing this structure against the skyline of the city of the future. It looked really cool as our heroes left it.

Looking tremendous are the likenesses of the characters. The emotion that Shasteen can bring to his artwork is fantastic. Particular highlights include Kira (Pages 1, 2, 11, 13, 20, and 21), Odo (3, 5, and 8), Scotty (5, 6, 9, and 15), Quark (11 and 12), and the spoiler-free woman at the bottom of 14. However, being an absolute fan of Dukat, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the joy that the bottom of Page 20 gave me. That look and pose is iconic Dukat, as is his closing appearance on the final page.

The coloring is also extremely well done with original crew’s colors glaringly standing out against the colors of this dark future. It’s impossible not to fixate on Kirk, Scotty, or Uhura’s bright, optimistic uniforms. The book’s final page features beautifully contrasting colors that will have a definite effect on next month’s penultimate chapter. Grade: A+.

Once again at the helm is Neil Uyetake creating scene setting and dialogue (the same font), sound effects, and yells. The sound that begins on Page 4 and culminates on 6 was great. It’s given the size and shape it deserves. Grade: A+.

Bottom line:
Every element of The Q Gambit: Part 4 is fantastic. This is a must own story that has series colliding in every possible way to create an original, action packed tale while remaining true to what’s gone before on earlier shows.

It doesn’t get better than this. Grade: A+.

– Reviewed by Comics Editor Patrick Hayes

Order Star Trek #38:
The Q Gambit, Part 4

Trek Comics Review: ‘City on the Edge of Forever’ #5

TrekCore Staff

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November 20, 2014

6

Trek Comics Review: ‘City on the Edge of Forever’ #5

Our Trek Comics editor Patrick Hayes has his review of IDW Publishing’s final City on the Edge of Forever comic adaptation, based on writer Harlan Ellison’s original teleplay.

A great pair of images closes out this series.

The regular cover is by Juan Ortiz. It’s similar to the image he made a few years ago: a profile of Edith Keeler and some stylish loops to show her hair, but actually comprise a star field complete with Enterprise. One change in this illustration is the addition of Kirk’s silhouette where her chin meets her neck. A fantastic image that looks like a book cover from the 1960s. Grade: A+.

The subscription cover by Paul Shipper is also a knockout, featuring Kirk, Spock, Uhura, Rand, and McCoy. The likenesses are great and the top has a terrific Enterprise. Like Ortiz’s work, this would be sensational as a print or on a tee shirt. Grade: A+.

Working from the original teleplay by Harlan Ellison, Scott & David Tipton close out this series handsomely. Every fan knows how this story ends, but few know the road it takes in getting there. The story opens on a street corner with a legless veteran of Verdun selling pencils and apples. Kirk approaches him and asks to buy some information about someone on the streets.

The veteran is suspicious of Kirk, but money greases the wheels. Dinner at Edith’s doesn’t go well because Jim tells her he may be leaving. Just as Kirk confesses his loves a knock at the door ends their moment. The next four pages are pretty intense with a surprise on 7 that made me gasp. I couldn’t believe the Tiptons were allowed to have “that” happen! Kirk’s final line on Page 9 was so sad.

When the climax occurs it’s as gripping as the one shown on television, yet the transition back to the correct time is very different. The dialogue on Page 15 is brutal in regards to one individual’s fate, with the sixth panel being heartbreaking. A solid stunner occurs on 16, with 17 revealing the ultimate damnation for a character–sick and cool simultaneously.

The final three pages are the story’s coda. This is a much more satisfying ending than the television episode had time to give. Kirk’s commentary on mankind as a race is brilliant. He speaks words one would wish all leaders would say. Spock gets the final words of the series. They are not as long as Kirk’s but they are just as profound and as strong as his captain’s, and they will haunt him, and readers, forever. Brilliant. Grade: A+.

This is the series that J.K. Woodward was born to illustrate. His love of this story and these characters shines on every page he’s painted. The new character of his story, “the little man without legs,” was instantly identifiable — it’s Harlan Ellison! Who else could play this character? The expressions Woodward gives him are great.

I was momentarily worried that the artist was stalking the writer to get such emotional references. Exceptional images of this character can be found on Pages 2, 3, 6, and 19. Kirk and Spock also look tremendously drawn by Woodward. Kirk’s highlights are Pages 2 – 4, 10 – 15, and 18 – 20, and Spock’s are 9, 13, 15, and 18 – 20. Edith is a heartbreaker throughout, but especially on Pages 4, 5, and 11 – 13.

As happy as I was too see such an excellent job done on the characters, I was ecstatic to see such a superb job done on the settings. Often forgotten in comic storytelling, Woodward has enormous talent in rendering the past. Outstanding settings occur on pages 2, 3 ( I would love to see more of that final panel), 4 (Edith’s apartment is so detailed), 6 (a great back alley for the homeless), and 11 and 12’s terrific street. Woodward is also successful with the future, such as Page 14 (Beautiful!), 17, and that final shot on 20.

I can only hope that Woodward can find another Star Trek project he cares as much about. For him not to return to these characters would be a crime. Grade: A+.

Dialogue, the Guardian dialogue, and sounds are provided by Neil Uyetake. Where I once felt the Guardians’ speech to be one of ancient wisdom, their font becomes quiet terrifying on Page 17. Grade: A+.

Bottom line:
You can’t call yourself a real Star Trek fan without experiencing this work. Chapter Five, and the entire City adaptation, earns my highest possible recommendation. Grade: A+.

Order Harlan Ellison’s
City on the Edge of Forever #5

Complete Details on the UK’s TNG Blu-ray Box Set!

TrekCore Staff

-

November 15, 2014

45

Complete Details on the UK’s TNG Blu-ray Box Set!

Straight from the fine folks at Paramount UK, we’ve got a copy of the full press release detailing the contents of the upcoming Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Full Journey Blu-ray set, due for release on December 15.

STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
THE FULL JOURNEY

41-Disc Set Contains All 176 Episodes

Newly restored and meticulously re-mastered in brilliant high definition, Star Trek: The Next Generation™ still dazzles as a true milestone in TV history.

Here are the breathtaking adventures of the U.S.S. Enterprise-D presented in state-of-the-art Blu-ray™ format, with such thought-provoking episodes as “The Measure of a Man” and “The Inner Light”; the return of the Borg in “The Best of Both Worlds”; and the time-shattering confrontation between Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and the mysterious, god-like Q in the Hugo Award-winning series finale.

Enjoy every memorable moment from the series that re-launched the Star Trek™ legacy for new “generations” to enjoy and experience – now presented in vivid, pristine high-definition!

This forty-one-disc Blu-ray release contains all bonus content found on the seven individual season sets, including:

TNG SEASON 1
Stardate Revisited: The Origin of Star Trek: The Next Generation
Energized! Taking The Next Generation to the Next Level
Season One Gag Reel

TNG SEASON 2
Reunification: 25 Years After Star Trek: The Next Generation
Making It So: Continuing Star Trek: The Next Generation
“The Measure of a Man” Extended Version
1988 Reading Rainbow Segment with LeVar Burton
Energized! Season Two Tech Update
Season Two Gag Reel
Deleted Scenes

TNG SEASON 3
Resistance is Futile: Assimilating Star Trek: The Next Generation
Inside the Writers’ Room
A Tribute to Michael Piller
In Memoriam: David Rappaport
Season Three Gag Reel
Audio Commentaries

TNG SEASON 4
Relativity: The Family Saga of Star Trek: The Next Generation
In Conversation: The Star Trek Art Department
Season Four Gag Reel
Audio Commentaries
Deleted Scenes

TNG SEASON 5
Requiem: A Remembrance of Star Trek: The Next Generation
In Conversation: The Music of Star Trek: The Next Generation
Season Five Gag Reel
Audio Commentaries
Deleted Scenes

TNG SEASON 6
Beyond the Five Year Mission: The Evolution of Star Trek: The Next Generation
Season Six Gag Reel
Audio Commentaries
Deleted Scenes

TNG SEASON 7
The Sky’s the Limit: The Eclipse of Star Trek: The Next Generation
In Conversation: Lensing Star Trek: The Next Generation
Journey’s End: The Saga of Star Trek: The Next Generation
Closed Set: A Tour of the Real Enterprise
Season Seven Gag Reel
Deleted Scenes

There are a few things missing from this collection, none of which came as huge surprise to us:

Standalone Disc Content: We have confirmed with Paramount UK that no content from the “Best of Both Worlds” disc — nor anything from the “Redemption,” “Unification,” “Chain of Command,” or “All Good Things” discs — will be included as part of this package.

While it would have been nice to include the “Best of Both Worlds” content in this full-series box set, it seems that Paramount UK has chosen to leave it out.

As for the other discs… well, that was always a bit of a long shot, since they were never optioned for release in the UK market at all. You’ll need to buy those separately from the US, Germany, or Australia.

. . .

Best Buy Exclusive Content: This exclusive feature focusing on the Enterprise-D model, The Trek Not Taken, was included as part of Best Buy’s TNG Season 3 Blu-ray release, was relegated to the retailer’s low-quality CinemaNow streaming service.

Paramount Germany later licensed this content for their Season 4 Blu-ray release, where it was available in HD via streaming in that region.

Because of the way this content was created and financed, Paramount UK would have needed to license the feature for release in the UK market — this wasn’t done for the earlier releases, so we’re not shocked to see it missing here.

. . .

Finally, we’ve gotten direct confirmation that this box set will be Region Free, just like every other Trek release — despite what the current Amazon.co.uk listing indicates. This is currently being addressed and the Amazon listing is expected to be updated in the next week or so.

This seven-season set is at a ridiculously low price for the content, so get your preorders in now for holiday delivery!

Preorder Star Trek: The Next Generation
“Full Journey” Complete Series
Region-Free Blu-ray Box Set!

REVIEW: “Section 31 — Disavowed”

TrekCore Staff

-

November 9, 2014

5

Star Trek: Section 31
Disavowed
By David Mack
Release Date: October 28, 2014
Pocket Books

From the Back Cover:

Amoral, shrouded in secrecy, and answerable to no one, Section 31 is the mysterious covert operations division of Starfleet, a rogue shadow group committed to safeguarding the Federation at any cost.

Doctor Julian Bashir sacrificed his career for a chance to infiltrate Section 31 and destroy it from within. Now it’s asking him to help it stop the Breen from stealing a dangerous new technology from the Mirror Universe–one that could give the Breen control over the galaxy.

It’s a mission Bashir can’t refuse—but is it really the shot he’s been waiting for? Or is it a trap from which even his genetically enhanced intellect can’t escape?

My thoughts:

Julian Bashir has had a roller coaster of a life of late. Having committed a felony against the United Federation of Planets by appropriating scientific data on the Shedai meta-genome — introduced in the Star Trek: Vanguard series — and using it to assist Andoria in overcoming its fertility crisis, Bashir has become a hero to some, and a villain to others.

How appropriate is it, then, that Section 31: Disavowed involves an organization that belongs to both of these categories in the minds of some as well?

Section 31 is the infamous bogeyman of many Trek stories. A secret organization that has remained hidden in the shadows since the very beginnings of Starfleet, before the Federation even existed, and the bane of one Julian Bashir. In this novel, he and his partner, Sarina Douglas, set out to enact a plan to bring down the enigmatic organization. However, like many of the machinations set in motion in this novel, it doesn’t exactly go according to plan.

In fact, if I were to pick a theme from the pages of this novel, it would be that no matter how much thought is put into a grand scheme, it is not enough. Or, to put it in cliché terms, “the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Julian and Sarina plan to take down Section 31, but the organization is wise to their plans.

The Breen have an intricate plan to hijack a Galactic Commonwealth “jaunt ship,” but the Commonwealth and Section 31 are able to thwart them at every turn. And Section 31 itself has a plan to steal intel from the Commonwealth, but find that they are stopped by Saavik and her team at Memory Omega.

Which brings me to one of the aspects of Disavowed that I truly loved: a return to the Mirror Universe continuity established by David Mack in Sorrows of Empire and Rise Like Lions. Ever since the epilogue of Rise Like Lions, I have been craving a story that revisits the Mirror Universe and the Galactic Commonwealth. With Taran’atar’s appearance at the close of that novel being such a tempting lure, I was thrilled to see that story continued in Disavowed.

Disavowed’s depiction of the “mirror” Dominion was absolutely brilliant. Like “our” Dominion, the Founders set out to bring order to the galaxy, but in a much different manner. This Dominion is based on the absolute rule of law and justice.

Rather than acting as the frightened, abused shapeshifters of our universe who founded the Dominion in order to subjugate the solids of the galaxy, the alternate Dominion has ensured security by employing justice in the broadest and fairest possible sense. In fact, characters in this novel speculate (half-jokingly) that the universes must have swapped Odos at some point in the past, in a particularly sublime example of David Mack’s excellent writing.

There are many such examples in this novel, and I found it a true delight to read. The “plans within plans” angle of the story, combined with the double-crossings and surprises at every turn meant that I was up late into the night, saying to myself “just one more chapter” over and over again.

Final thoughts:

Section 31: Disavowed is nother incredible tale from David Mack, telling a story that incorporated many of my favorite elements from recent Trek lit: Julian Bashir, the Mirror Universe’s Galactic Commonwealth, action, suspense, and superb writing that compelled me to blast through this novel in two evenings. I am very much looking forward to Section 31: Control, hinted at in the final pages of this novel.

With only one novel left before the end of the year, I can see that I will have my work cut out for me in naming the best Star Trek novel of 2014. The writers seem to have been pulling out all of the stops this year, and I’m having trouble choosing a clear front runner.

One thing is apparent, however: Disavowed is certainly in contention!

– Reviewed by Literature Editor Dan Gunther

Order Star Trek: Section 31
Disavowed

REVIEW: “TNG — Q are Cordially Uninvited…”

TrekCore Staff

-

October 27, 2014

1

REVIEW: “TNG — Q are Cordially Uninvited…”

Star Trek: TNG
Q are Cordially Uninvited…
By Rudy Josephs
Release Date: October 6, 2014
Pocket Books (eBook exclusive)

About this novella:

The wedding of Jean-Luc Picard to Beverly Crusher was a small, private affair overseen by the mayor of La Barre, France, and witnessed by the groom’s sister-in-law and the mayor’s wife. At least, that’s what the happy couple always told their friends.

On the anniversary of that blessed day, however, Worf and Geordi La Forge manage to coax the real story out of the pair, to discover a tale of mythical treasure and a lost civilization in the Delta Quadrant. It all begins when the omnipotent being Q crashes the festivities, declaring himself best man and bringing along an unwilling guest as a surprise for the groom.

My thoughts:

In the novel Greater Than the Sum by Christopher L. Bennett, we learn that Picard and Crusher have finally married, albeit in an “off-screen” ceremony — but in Q are Cordially Uninvited…, we finally have the opportunity to learn what happened on that auspicious day. As it turns out, Picard and Crusher married in a fairly (unsurprisingly) low-key affair. Or so it is believed! The truth of that day is much more interesting.

Enter the omnipotent Q. It turns out that in the hours before the wedding, Q sent Picard on an adventure with none other than Vash. A fun romp through ancient ruins is the backdrop to this impromptu “bachelor party” courtesy of self-proclaimed best man Q.

Q are Cordially Uninvited… wasn’t a bad story, but nor was it ground-breaking. The story held my attention throughout, but I couldn’t help having a nagging feeling that much of Q’s actions seemed somewhat out-of-character. Q has always been about the “big picture,” seeming to guide the actions of Picard and humanity on a grand scale (at least in his Next Generation appearances). This affair seems a little too “small scale” for Q.

Having said that, regardless of whether or not the plot is out of character for Q, one thing that author Rudy Josephs managed to get perfectly was Q’s “voice.” Every time the character had a line, I could hear John deLancie’s delivery in my head. Similarly, Josephs had Vash’s voice down quite well. Having her appear in this novel made me realize how much I enjoyed her character in her various appearances over the years.

Finally, I do have to say that the final scenes in which Q creates a wedding ceremony for Jean-Luc and Beverly was quite touching. As TrekBBS user “Ronald Held” put it, “What he does for Picard is a generous reward for perhaps Q’s favorite pet,” echoing Data’s description of the relationship between Q and Picard in “All Good Things.”

Final thoughts:

Q are Cordially Uninvited… is a quick, fun read that will be entertaining for fans of the “silly” Q, but a little frustrating for readers who expect a little more depth to the character. That said, the scene of Picard and Crusher’s wedding ceremony as conjured by Q will be moving for fans of the couple.

This was the first of the recent e-book novellas to disappoint me. However, it is saved somewhat by having a great deal of heart.

– Reviewed by Literature Editor Dan Gunther

Order Star Trek TNG:
Q are Cordially Uninvited…

“Descent, Part I”

“Attached”

“Sub Rosa”

“Masks”

“Eye of the Beholder”

“Emergence”

“All Good Things…”

“All Good Things…”

“All Good Things…”

THESE SALES ARE NOW OVER.

STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION THE FULL JOURNEY

My thoughts:

Final thoughts:

My thoughts:

Final thoughts:

STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
THE FULL JOURNEY